Interlock pipe connection

ABSTRACT

An interlock pipe joint includes a first and second tubular member. In some embodiments, an interrupted thread box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In other embodiments, a stepped interrupted thread box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In other embodiments, a twist-lock box and pin make up the interlock pipe joint. In some embodiments, an external or internal bushing is provided. In a method of operation, the first tubular member is inserted into the second tubular member by an axial insertion followed by a rotation to lock the pipe joint.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application which claims priorityfrom U.S. provisional application No. 61/886,146, filed Oct. 3, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD/FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to coupling lengths of pipe. The presentdisclosure relates particularly to coupling lengths of pipe used to makeup a string for downhole applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In many stages of the drilling and completion of an oil and gas well,tubular members may be coupled end-to-end to form what is known as astring. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “drill string”will be used to refer to any such string, including without limitation,drill strings, tool strings, casing strings, and completion strings.Typically, tubular members may be made up in approximately 30-90 footsegments, and include threaded couplings at each end. Commonly known as“box” and “pin” connections for the female and male portions,respectively, the threaded connections serve to both form a fluid sealbetween the tubular segments and to durably connect the adjacenttubulars.

When “making up” a drill string, multiple rotations of one of thetubulars may be required to fully engage the threads of the box with thethreads of the pin. Generally, these rotations may be accomplished byuse of a pipe spinner, a high speed, low torque device to quickly threadthe tubular members together. After the tubulars have been connectedwith the low torque pipe spinner, mechanical tongs or iron roughnecksare typically used to apply high-torque to the joint to ensure acomplete and durable connection by ensuring both shoulders of the boxand pin fully engage. Similarly, when “breaking out” a drill string,mechanical tongs or iron roughnecks are used to provide the high torquerequired to initially separate the tubular segments, and a pipe spinneris used to quickly unthread the tubulars the rest of the way.

The amount of torque required to securely tighten the tubulars, known asmake-up torque, may ensure the threaded connections do not separatewhile downhole. Such an unintended disconnection may result in costlyand time-consuming “fishing” operations to retrieve the disconnectedsection of drill pipe, during which drilling operations must besuspended. Additionally, if excess make-up torque is applied, materialyielding in the threaded connections may cause damage to the tubularswhich may result in, for example, unintended separation downhole.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for a pipe joint for use in joiningtubular members. The pipe joint may include a box formed in an end of afirst tubular member, the box formed in the interior surface of thefirst tubular member, the box including internal threads and internallands, the internal threads positioned in radial segments and separatedby the internal lands, the lands being generally cylindrical segmentshaving inner diameter larger than the largest outer diameter of thelargest thread. The pipe joint may also include a pin formed in an endof a second tubular member, the pin formed in the exterior surface ofthe second tubular member, the pin including external threads andexternal lands, the external threads positioned in radial segments andseparated by the external lands, the lands being generally cylindricalsegments having outer diameter smaller than the smallest outer diameterof the smallest thread. The widths and positions of the external threadsof the pin may be positioned to correspond with those of the internallands of the box, and the widths and positions of the external lands ofthe pin may be positioned to correspond with those of the internalthreads of the box when the box is inserted into the pin. The externalthreads of the box and the internal threads of the pin may be positionedto mesh and tighten the box to the pin and provide a fluid seal betweenthe first and second tubular member.

The present disclosure further provides for a pipe joint for use injoining tubular members. The pipe joint may include a box formed in anend of a first tubular member, the box formed in the interior surface ofthe first tubular member, the box including stepped internal threads andinternal lands, the stepped internal threads positioned in radialsegments, the stepped internal threads arranged in groups of a generallyrepeating pattern of thickness ascending order, the groups separated bythe internal lands, the lands being generally cylindrical segmentshaving inner diameter larger than the largest outer diameter of thelargest thread. The pipe joint may also include a pin formed in an endof a second tubular member, the pin formed in the exterior surface ofthe second tubular member, the pin including stepped external threadsand external lands, the stepped external threads positioned in radialsegments, the stepped external threads arranged in groups of a generallyrepeating pattern of thickness ascending order, the groups separated bythe external lands, the lands being generally cylindrical segmentshaving outer diameter smaller than the smallest outer diameter of thesmallest thread. The widths and positions of the largest steppedexternal threads of the pin may be positioned to correspond with thoseof the internal lands of the box, and the widths and positions of theexternal lands of the pin may be positioned to correspond with those ofthe largest stepped internal threads of the box when the box is insertedinto the pin. The stepped external threads of the box and the steppedinternal threads of the pin may be positioned to mesh and tighten thebox to the pin and provide a fluid seal between the first and secondtubular member.

The present disclosure further provides for a method of making up a pipejoint. The method may include providing a first tubular member, thefirst tubular member including a box formed in the interior surface ofan end of the first tubular member, the box including internal threadsand internal lands, the internal threads positioned in radial segmentsand separated by the internal lands, the lands being generallycylindrical segments having inner diameter larger than the largest outerdiameter of the largest thread; providing a second tubular member, thesecond tubular member including a pin formed in the exterior surface ofan end of the second tubular member, the pin including external threadsand external lands, the external threads positioned in radial segmentsand separated by the external lands, the lands being generallycylindrical segments having outer diameter smaller than the smallestouter diameter of the smallest thread, the external threads of the boxand the internal threads of the pin positioned to mesh; aligning the boxand the pin so that the widths and positions of the external threads ofthe pin positioned to correspond with those of the internal lands of thebox, and the widths and positions of the external lands of the pinpositioned to correspond with those of the internal threads of the box;inserting the pin into the box; and rotating the pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasizedthat, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, variousfeatures are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the variousfeatures may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interrupted thread box and pinconnection consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the interrupted thread box and pinconnection of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the interrupted thread pin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the interrupted thread box of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate interrupted thread box andpin connection consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the box of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view of the box of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the end of an interrupted thread boxhaving a wider threaded segment consistent with embodiments of thepresent disclosure

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a stepped interrupted thread boxconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a stepped interrupted thread pinconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross section of an interrupted thread box and pinconnection including inner and outer bushings consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a twist lock box and pin consistentwith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a box and pin joint with a locking pawlconsistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides manydifferent embodiments, or examples, for implementing different featuresof various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangementsare described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, ofcourse, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an interrupted thread boxand pin connection is described. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, aninterrupted thread pipe joint 100 utilizes an interrupted thread box 101and interrupted thread pin 103. Interrupted thread box 101 is formed asan end of a first tubular 102, and interrupted thread pin is formed asan end of a second tubular 104. Interrupted thread box 101 includes aninner mating surface 105 positioned to generally surround the outermating surface 107 of interrupted thread pin 103. Inner mating surface105 includes multiple radial segments, the radial segments alternatingbetween box threads 109 and box lands 111. Likewise outer mating surface107 includes multiple radial segments, the radial segments alternatingbetween pin threads 113 and pin lands 115.

Box lands 111 may be configured to allow interrupted thread pin 103 toenter interrupted thread box 101 when pin threads 113 may be alignedwith box lands 111. Likewise, pin lands 113 may be configured to allowinterrupted thread pin 103 to enter interrupted thread box 101 when boxthreads 109 may be aligned with pin lands 115. Box threads 109 and pinthreads 113 may be configured to threadedly mesh with each other inresponse to a rotation of either the interrupted thread pin or box 103,101 once interrupted thread pin 103 is inserted into interrupted threadbox.

As box threads 109 and pin threads 113 mesh and engage, interruptedthread box and pin 101, 103 are pulled together, and the inner and outershoulders 117, 119 of interrupted thread box 101 contact and engageouter and inner shoulders 123, 121 of interrupted thread pin 103.Continued rotation causes shoulders 117 and 121 and shoulders 119 and123 to be forced together thus establishing, for example, a fluid seal.Additionally, elastic deformation of shoulders 117, 119, 121, 123 createa normal force therebetween and on threads 109, 113 which providesfriction to prevent the pipes from disconnecting until break out isdesired.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, interrupted thread box and pin101, 103 include six radial segments, three each threads 109, 113 andlands 111, 115. Thus, in operation, interrupted thread pin 103 isaligned axially with interrupted thread box 101. Pin threads 113 may bealigned with box lands 111 (and therefore box threads 109 are alignedwith pin lands 115). Interrupted thread pin 103 is then inserted intointerrupted thread box 101. Interrupted thread pin 103 is rotated withrespect to interrupted thread box 101 (or vice versa) so that pinthreads 113 and box threads 109 engage, thus making up the interruptedthread joint 100. In a six-segment configuration as here depicted, arotation of approximately ⅙ turn is required to seat interrupted threadjoint 100. One having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of thisdisclosure will understand that any number of thread segments and landsmay be used within the constraints of, for example, pipe diameter,desired thread count and pitch, and make-up rotation.

Additionally, although depicted as being of equal width, threads 109,113 and lands 111, 115 may be of different widths, as long as the widthsof box threads and lands 109, 111 correspond with the widths of pinlands and threads 115, 113 respectively. For example, FIGS. 5-7 depictan interrupted thread joint 200 wherein the interrupted thread box 201includes two box threads 209 which may be narrower than the pair of boxlands 211. The corresponding interrupted thread pin 203 includes twocorrespondingly wide pin threads 213 interspersed by narrow pin lands215.

In some embodiments, the number of thread starts may be the same as thenumber of thread segments, thus avoiding the need for specific alignmentbetween interrupted thread box and pin 101, 103 before insertion.

In an embodiment including a single-thread start, proper landing mayonly occur when interrupted thread box and pin 101, 103 may be insertedin a particular thread-and-land configuration. Otherwise, more than onepartial rotation will be necessary to properly land interrupted threadjoint 100 (e.g. a six-segment configuration would require more than a ⅙rotation). To aid with alignment, one box thread segment may be formedwider than the other box thread segments, and one pin land may becorrespondingly wider than the other pin lands. For example, FIG. 8depicts an interrupted thread box 301 having wide threaded segment 303and two narrow threaded segments 305. Therefore, a mating pin (notshown) would be able to interface with the interrupted thread box 301 inonly a single radial orientation. Thus, the short (here, approximately ⅙rotation) turn landing would be ensured.

In some embodiments, interrupted thread box and pin 101, 103 may becreated from milling out portions of the threads of an existingtraditional box and pin joint. In such an embodiment, each box and pinmay be milled at the same point relative to the thread start to, forexample, maximize the contact area between threads when interruptedthread joint 100 is fully seated. In such an embodiment, an interruptedthread box or pin 101, 103 could be used with a traditional box and pinjoint. In other embodiments, a crossover sub could be used to mate aninterrupted thread box or pin 101, 103 with a traditional box and pinjoint.

In other embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 9, 10, a stepped interruptedthread joint 400 is depicted. FIG. 9 depicts a stepped interruptedthread box 401, and FIG. 10 depicts a stepped interrupted thread pin403. Stepped interrupted thread box 401 includes box threads 409 a-c andbox lands 411. Likewise, stepped interrupted thread pin 403 includes pinthreads 413 a-c and pin lands 415. Threads 409 a-c and 413 a-c may beseparated from the outer diameter of the components. Thus, a steppedprofile is formed. Pin thread 413 a is aligned with box land 41,allowing stepped interrupted thread box and pin 401, 403 to meshaxially. When rotated, the correspondingly stepped box threads 409 a-cand pin threads 413 a-mesh respectively. Also, upon full rotation, eachof box threads 409 b-c abuts against a sidewall of pin threads 409 a-b,preventing overrotation in making stepped interrupted thread joint 400.

In some embodiments, in addition to the normal force exerted betweenadjacent shoulders, fluid sealing can be improved by the use of one ormore bushings. In FIG. 11, for example, both an internal bushing 541 andexternal bushing 551 may be used in an interrupted thread joint 500.Internal bushing 541 is positioned to slide into a box counterbore 543formed in the box 501. Internal bushing 541 is positioned as acylindrical extension on pin 503. Likewise, external bushing 551 ispositioned to slide around a necked down surface 553 of pin 503.External bushing 551 is formed as an extension of box 501. One havingordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure willunderstand that internal and external bushings can be used alone or incombination, and other geometries may be possible with, for example,internal bushings extending from the box, external bushings extendingfrom the pin, etc. Furthermore, although not depicted, one or more sealsmay be positioned between the bushings and the surface to which theymate.

In some embodiments, not depicted, threads may include a tapered portionto, for example, allow alignment between box and pin threads afterinsertion at the beginning of rotation. The tapers may be asymmetricalto, for example, bias the box and pin to mate at the correct thread.

In some embodiments, rather than a threaded connection, a twist lock boxand pin joint 600 as depicted in FIG. 12 may be implemented. In such anembodiment, a box 601 mates with a pin 603. Box 601 includes a lockingpath 605. Locking path 605 is positioned to accept a locking pin 607attached to pin 603. In use, pin 603 is aligned so that locking pin 607is aligned with locking path 605. Pin 603 is then inserted into box 601.Once locking pin 607 reaches the end of locking path 605, pin 603 isrotated to seat locking pin 607 in the horizontal portion of lockingpath 605, thereby preventing pin 603 from being removed from box 601.Although a simple path is depicted in FIG. 12, a more complex path may,for example, increase the torque required to lock pin 603 to box 601,and prevent rotational forces from disengaging pin 603 from box 601during use.

In some embodiments, one or more locking features may be included in thepipe joint. For example, as depicted in FIG. 13, pipe joint 700 mayinclude box 701 mating with pin 703 having one or more locking pawls 705adapted to couple box 701 and pin 703 once fully engaged. As depicted inFIG. 13, locking pawl 705 may be a pin adapted to extend from a firstcavity 707 formed in one side of the joint, depicted in FIG. 13 as box701, into a second cavity 709 formed in the other side of pipe joing700. In some embodiments, locking pawl 705 may be adapted toautomatically extend into second cavity 709 when second cavity 709 isproperly aligned with first cavity 707, corresponding to box 701 and pin703 being fully engaged. One having ordinary skill in the art with thebenefit of this disclosure will understand that box 701 and pin 703 maybe engaged by any of the locking threads discussed herein. In someembodiments, locking pawl 705 may be adapted to be withdrawn from secondcavity 709 at the time of disconnection of box 701 and pin 703. In someembodiments, locking pawl 705 may be adapted to be withdrawn manuallyby, for example and without limitation, a pawl retraction apparatus (notshown). In some embodiments, the pawl retraction apparatus may beactuated by a mechanical device such as a lever or button operativelycoupled to locking pawl 705 to allow a user to retract locking pawl 705from the exterior of the made up pipe joint 700. In some embodiments,the pawl retraction apparatus may be magnetically or electricallyoperated. In some embodiments, the mechanical apparatus may beautomatically actuated by a power wrench or tong (not shown) used duringa break-out operation of pipe joint 700. In some embodiments, multiplelocking pawls 705 may be positioned about pipe joint 700. In someembodiments, locking pawls 705 may be located in both box 701 and pin703, adapted to extend into pin 703 and box 701 respectively. In someembodiments, locking pawl 705 may be extended by spring 711. In someembodiments, locking pawl 705 may be extended by a locking pawlextension apparatus (not shown).

In some embodiments, not depicted, threads on either the box or the pinmay include locking features, such as grooves, teeth, flats and lands,etc. positioned to prevent undesired disengagement between the box andthe pin. In other embodiments, threads, though described as helicalscrew threads, may instead be splines designed to, for example, increasemake up torque required and prevent undesired disengagement between thebox and the pin.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that a personof ordinary skill in the art may better understand the aspects of thepresent disclosure. Such features may be replaced by any one of numerousequivalent alternatives, only some of which are disclosed herein. One ofordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily usethe present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying otherprocesses and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Oneof ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A pipe joint for use in joining tubular memberscomprising: a box formed in an end of a first tubular member, the boxformed in the interior surface of the first tubular member, the boxincluding stepped internal threads and internal lands, the steppedinternal threads positioned in radial segments, the stepped internalthreads arranged in groups of a generally repeating pattern of thicknessascending order, the groups separated by the internal lands, the landsbeing generally cylindrical segments having inner diameter larger thanthe largest outer diameter of the largest thread; and a pin formed in anend of a second tubular member, the pin formed in the exterior surfaceof the second tubular member, the pin including stepped external threadsand external lands, the stepped external threads positioned in radialsegments, the stepped external threads arranged in groups of a generallyrepeating pattern of thickness ascending order, the groups separated bythe external lands, the lands being generally cylindrical segmentshaving outer diameter smaller than the smallest outer diameter of thesmallest thread; the widths and positions of the largest steppedexternal threads of the pin positioned to correspond with those of theinternal lands of the box, and the widths and positions of the externallands of the pin positioned to correspond with those of the largeststepped internal threads of the box when the box is inserted into thepin; and the stepped external threads of the box and the steppedinternal threads of the pin positioned to mesh and tighten the box tothe pin and provide a fluid seal between the first and second tubularmember.
 15. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein the threads include alocking feature.
 16. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein the box furthercomprises an external bushing, the external bushing being a generallytubular extension of the first tubular member positioned to extendaround a generally annular depression in the outer surface of the pin.17. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein the pin further comprises aninternal bushing, the internal bushing being a generally tubularextension of the second tubular member positioned to extend into agenerally annular counterbore in the inner surface of the pin.
 18. Thepipe joint of claim 16, further comprising a seal between the externalbushing and the pin.
 19. The pipe joint of claim 17, further comprisinga seal between the internal bushing and the box.
 20. A pipe joint foruse in joining tubular members comprising: a box formed in an end of afirst tubular member, the box formed in the interior surface of thefirst tubular member, the box including a locking path; and a pin formedin an end of a second tubular member, the pin including a locking pinpositioned to be inserted into the locking path and secure with a twistof the pin.
 21. (canceled)